Piano Theory Blog #5: Nov. 22th, 2019

Today, I learned about the kinds of intervals between the different notes in the piano. An interval is a distance between two notes on the piano. If two notes are on the same place on the staff, regardless of what kind of accidentals the notes have, then they are a first/unison apart (ex. D and D and E and E#). As the notes become further apart, the interval type increases (ex. E and F are called seconds, and E and G and thirds, etc.).

Specific intervals are determined based on how many half steps apart the two notes are.

A perfect first (perfect unison) are two notes that are no distance apart (ex. C and C)

A major second is two notes that are 2 half steps (jumps from one note to the next) apart (ex. C and D)

Major third = 4 half steps

Perfect fourth = 5 half steps

Perfect fifth = 7 half steps

Major sixth = 9 half steps

Major seventh = 11 half steps

Perfect eighth (perfect octave) = 12 half steps (ex. C to C^)

Minor intervals are one less half step apart than major intervals and are only applied to intervals that are called "major" and not "perfect" (second, third, sixth, seventh).

An augmented interval has one more half step than a perfect or a major interval.

A diminished interval has one less half step than a perfect interval or a minor interval.

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Link for Generic Intervals: https://www.musictheory.net/lessons/30

Link for Specific Intervals: https://www.musictheory.net/lessons/31

Specific Interval Chart

Generic Intervals Diagram